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Spark Launch: Neurodiversity Ignited

Spark Launch: Neurodiversity Ignited

Auteur(s): SparkLaunch.org Mike Cornell Chaya Mallavaram
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À propos de cet audio

 You’ve landed at Spark Launch — the guide star for embracing what it means to be neurodiverse. Hosted by Chaya Mallavaram (the artsy ADHD brain behind Spark Launch) and Mike Cornell (a peer support specialist who reminds us that imperfection is where the magic happens), this podcast dives deep into the messy, beautiful, and often challenging realities of neurodivergent life. Each episode blends personal stories with expert insights to tackle issues affecting our community, such as mental health, parenting strategies, emotional regulation, workplace dynamics, executive function hacks, and neurodiversity advocacy. Whether you’re navigating life with ADHD, Autism Spectrum, or other neurodevelopmental conditions — or supporting someone who is — this is a space where neurodivergent voices can unmask, embrace their weirdness, and celebrate human diversity. Subscribe now to ignite your mind, elevate your essence, and spark something extraordinary. https://sparklaunchpodcast.com/ ADHD Learning Solutions https://www.sparklaunch.org/ Follow Mike & Chaya on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/followshisghost https://www.instagram.com/the_sparklaunchCopyright 2025 SparkLaunch.org Développement personnel Hygiène et mode de vie sain Psychologie Psychologie et santé mentale Réussite Sciences sociales
Épisodes
  • Exploding Trucks, Rock and Roll, and Autism at 65 w/ Peter O'Neil

    Exploding Trucks, Rock and Roll, and Autism at 65 w/ Peter O'Neil
    Jul 11 2025
    Mike and Chaya sit down with Peter O’Neil, a retired attorney, musician, grandfather, and author of My So-Called Disorder: Autism, Exploding Trucks, and the Big Daddy of Rock and Roll. Diagnosed as autistic at 65, Peter reflects on how that discovery transformed his experiences of masking, social struggles, and professional success. From solitude as a young man to thriving as a relentless advocate, Peter shares captivating stories of his legal work, time in West Africa, and lifelong passions.What We CoverHow Peter’s autism diagnosis at 65 reframed his entire life.The emotional toll of masking and social isolation throughout adulthood.Applying autistic focus and creativity to thrive in a demanding legal career.Stories from Peter’s legal career, including landmark cases involving corporate wrongdoing.Life lessons learned in West Africa and how cultural differences unlocked personal growth.The pivotal role of his book in sharing his neurodivergence story.How leaning into special interests, like Chuck Berry’s music, became a source of identity and strength.Building meaningful relationships and communities after unmasking.The importance of safety, routine, and clear systems for autistic people.Quotes:"Even in the situations where I was in a group like a dormitory or I spent some time in Italy so we lived in a small rooming house, I was pretty much alone even in a crowd.""There was a time in Seattle from 1977 through 1980 where I began to get really terrified because I could go to work and act normally, but what I could see was something was really wrong-- all these people who seem much less interesting than me were going through life pretty happily. They were having a good time, and I had no friends.""We're here for a reason. We're here because we bring a different way of thinking. Nowadays, at least in here in The United States, they're trying to make diversity, equity, inclusion a bad thing, a bad word, something we should all fear. But, obviously, diversity is what makes us great no matter where we are."About Peter O'Neil:Peter O'Neil is an autistic product liability attorney serving as Of Counsel at Schroeter, Goldmark & Bender in Seattle. He received his autism diagnosis at age 65, which provided what he calls "a unified theory of me" that helped explain his life and career. Rather than attending law school, O'Neil entered the legal profession through the Washington State Bar Association Rule 6 Law Clerk program under the mentorship of attorney Paul Whelan. Before becoming an attorney, O'Neil worked as a paralegal for 15 years, followed by 25 years as a lawyer. Throughout his 40-year legal career, he specialized in product liability cases, particularly a series of cases involving dangerous pickup trucks with fuel tanks outside the frame rails that caused post-crash fires. O'Neil is the author of the memoir "My So-Called Disorder: Autism, Exploding Trucks, and the Big Daddy of Rock and Roll" which explores his late-in-life autism diagnosis and celebrates how his autistic traits contributed to his success as a product liability attorneyConnect with Peter:Peter's Book: https://www.amazon.com/My-So-Called-Disorder-Autism-Exploding/dp/B0BYCCZ53DPeter's Blog: https://mysocalleddisorder.blogspot.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-o-neil-650007298/https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090707207081#Further Reading:https://wabarnews.org/2023/09/11/my-so-called-disorder/ - Interview with Washington State Bar Associationhttps://www.gonzaga.edu/news-events/stories/2025/2/18/peter-oneil-gif-story - "Autism, Florence and My Personal Renaissance" by Peter O'Neil As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!Stay Connected:Website: https://sparklaunchpodcast.com/All listening methods: https://episodes.fm/1758785803ADHD Learning Solutions: https://www.sparklaunch.org/Chaya on Instagram: @the_sparklaunchMike on Instagram: @followshisghostMike's Neurodivergent & Mental Health Peer Coaching-- First Session Free:https://web.withwarmer.com/customer/browse-experts/593
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    1 h et 2 min
  • Breaking Free To Be Me w/ Kristin Walker (Mental Health News Radio Network)

    Breaking Free To Be Me w/ Kristin Walker (Mental Health News Radio Network)
    Jul 4 2025

    Mike and Chaya sit down with Kristin Walker, the founder of the Mental Health News Radio Network, to discuss her late-in-life discovery of being autistic and having ADHD. Kristin opens up about the emotional toll of masking, the powerful shift that came with her diagnosis, and how those experiences inspired her to amplify diverse voices in mental health.

    We Also Cover:

    • The connection between being highly sensitive and neurodivergence.
    • How undiagnosed neurodivergence impacts social dynamics and friendships.
    • Addressing generational trauma from a neurodiverse perspective.
    • Destigmatizing neurodivergence in the mental health field.
    • Practical strategies for unmasking and achieving “ninja self-care.”
    • The importance of building supportive communities for neurodivergent individuals.
    • How technology and AI can assist neurodivergent individuals in setting boundaries and gaining clarity.

    Quotes:

    • "I didn’t know I was autistic and had ADHD until 2024. So I’m going through that whole mind map that one goes through, where you reevaluate your entire life through this new lens."
    • "When you get out of victim stage, you have this room for compassion for yourself now"
    • “Why do I still just not really get what other people seem to get? Why do I always feel like I’m running down this long hallway?”

    About Kristin Walker:

    Kristin Walker is the founder and CEO of Mental Health News Radio Network and CEO of everythingEHR. With over 20 years of experience as a technology consultant for global organizations, Kristin has successfully merged her technical expertise with her passion for mental health advocacy. Under her leadership, Mental Health News Radio Network has grown into a prominent platform featuring multiple shows covering diverse aspects of mental wellness, personal development, and behavioral health innovation. As an Electronic Health Records Expert for Behavioral Health Organizations, she regularly speaks at healthcare conferences and consults with hospital systems across the country. Kristin's unique approach emphasizes collaborative leadership and creating inclusive spaces for different perspectives on mental health, making her a respected voice in both the technology and mental health communities.

    Connect with Kristin:

    • https://www.mentalhealthnewsradionetwork.com/
    • Kristin's Show: https://www.mentalhealthnewsradionetwork.com/our-shows/mental-health-news-radio/
    • https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristinswalker/
    • https://www.instagram.com/mhnrnetwork/
    • https://www.facebook.com/MentalHealthNewsRadioNetwork

    Related Reading:

    • How To Be Happy Interview: https://howtohappy.com/kristin-walker-guest-feature/

    As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!

    Stay Connected:

    • Website: https://sparklaunchpodcast.com/
    • All listening methods: https://episodes.fm/1758785803
    • ADHD Learning Solutions: https://www.sparklaunch.org/
    • Chaya on Instagram: @the_sparklaunch
    • Mike on Instagram: @followshisghost

    Mike's Neurodivergent & Mental Health Peer Coaching-- First Session Free:

    • https://web.withwarmer.com/customer/browse-experts/593
    Voir plus Voir moins
    58 min
  • Fighting To Be Seen: The High Cost of Masking w/ Reid Miles

    Fighting To Be Seen: The High Cost of Masking w/ Reid Miles
    Jun 27 2025

    Mike and Chaya sit down with Reid Miles, creator and host of Inside the Asperger’s Studio. Reid opens up about his journey from working in the tech industry to becoming a passionate advocate for autism and neurodiversity. He shares the ups and downs of navigating the professional world as a neurodivergent individual and explains how he found his voice through podcasting and blogging.

    We Also Cover:

    • Reid’s transition from IT to his work as an autism advocate.
    • The challenges neurodivergent individuals face in corporate and volunteer environments.
    • How blogging and podcasting became transformative ways for Reid to amplify his voice.
    • His advice for parents of neurodivergent kids on nurturing their strengths.
    • How honesty and collaboration became the foundation of Reid’s work in podcasting.
    • A behind-the-scenes look at Reid’s retreat initiative for families and individuals within the autism community.

    Quotes:

    • "I think society is broken when it comes to learning about us because I feel they don't want to learn about us because we're different than everyone else. We're just one form of disability, people with disabilities that think differently than everyone else."
    • "Why should I have to fake who I am just so you out there can feel comfortable with yourself? Why can't I feel comfortable with myself being who I am without being judged by society, being judged by the workplace?"
    • "We live in a world of negativity—it builds walls. The only way forward is to tear those walls down by trusting yourself and stepping out of your comfort zone."
    About Reid Miles:

    Reid Miles is the founder and editor of Aspergers Studio, where he writes about his adventures in life with Asperger's. A former PC Tech turned Autism Advocate, Reid shares his life and experiences through his blog, podcast, and YouTube channel. "Inside the Aspergers Studio" features discussions with people who have ASD and ADHD, professionals in the field, and parents of children on the spectrum. Recognized for his contribution to autism awareness, Reid's podcast was rated #2 Autism Podcast for 2023 by Feedspot and listed among the top Autism podcasts by Player.FM.

    Connect with Reid:

    • Reid's Blog: https://aspergersstudio.com/
    • Reid's Podcast: https://www.mentalhealthnewsradionetwork.com/our-shows/inside-the-aspergers-studio/
    • YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvpGU2S7peJUUr5Lo46P97w
    • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/reidmiles/

    As always, thanks for lending us your ears and keep igniting that spark!

    Stay Connected:

    • Website: https://sparklaunchpodcast.com/
    • All listening methods: https://episodes.fm/1758785803
    • ADHD Learning Solutions: https://www.sparklaunch.org/
    • Chaya on Instagram: @the_sparklaunch
    • Mike on Instagram: @followshisghost

    Mike's Neurodivergent & Mental Health Peer Coaching-- First Session Free:

    • https://web.withwarmer.com/customer/browse-experts/593
    Voir plus Voir moins
    51 min

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